​From the Audience of Urinetown

How long have you been in Monteverde? What drew you here? About 35 years. We had visited Monteverde back in 1962 and re-visited in 1974. It seemed like coming home. We were drawn here by the community – we are Quakers – and by the beautiful environment which surrounds it.

When did you first see a musical? What is your favorite musical? The first musical we saw together was Oklahoma in Chicago, the summer of 1944. I think it’s still my favorite, though John’s might be The Music Man.

What did you think of our productions of Guys and Dolls, The Music Man and Urinetown? We thought they were each another “Monteverde Miracle”. The working together of many different schools, both teachers and pupils, involving the parents, getting the productions ready in such a short time, the costumes, the enthusiasm generaed by all concerned, and the continuation of musical productions of other years, and the high levels of performance are most appreciated!

​What is the role of the arts in the Monteverde community? You’d probably get a different answer from each person you asked! For me the role is to encourage participation and enjoyment of us average people in music, art, crafts, and dance. They bring more joy into one’s life, they allow development of latent talents in these areas (which also contributes to a feeling of individual self-worth), they expand horizons, and they give great happiness to the people in the audience as well as those who do the preparation. I think a play or a musical production teaches cooperation, teamwork and mutual appreciation, to all concerned.